Nashville’s plus size retail landscape divides into three distinct tiers: local boutiques commanding $54-78 price points with curated inventory and personalized service, national chains at Opry Mills and Nashville West offering predictable sizing across broader selection, and a singular consignment operation that functions as both shopping destination and wardrobe liquidation service. The critical decision variable separating these isn’t price (spreads compress once you account for quality and longevity) but rather fit philosophy: boutiques like Ari + Ava customize vendor orders based on community feedback about hem length and stretch, while chains optimize for standardized manufacturing efficiency. Geographic distribution clusters retail options along two corridors: Charlotte Pike/West Nashville for new merchandise, and the Donelson/Lebanon Pike area for both outlet pricing and secondhand rotation.
1. Ari + Ava
Contact Information
- Address: 203 N 11th St, Nashville, TN 37206
- Phone: (803) 367-1510
- Website: shopariandava.com
- Email: Available through website contact form
Hours of Operation
- Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Monday: Closed
Ratings
- Google: 5.0 stars (limited reviews, new business)
- Yelp: 5.0 stars (24 photos)
- Instagram: 19K followers
- TikTok: 6,400+ followers
Services & Pricing
Core inventory centers on Judy Blue Jeans ($54-74), known for tummy control and stretch retention. Dresses range $64-78, tops $16-54. Free shipping on orders over $99. Size range: 0XL-5XL. “Callie’s Comments” on each online product provides fit notes from owner testing. Final sale clearance items at 50% off.
Analysis
What Makes Them Different: Owner Callie Richards (established plus-size influencer with substantial following) negotiates directly with vendors to modify cuts before ordering. When a style runs short or lacks stretch accommodation, she rejects it or requests alterations. This editorial layer means inventory feels cohesive rather than assembled from whatever manufacturers offered in extended sizes.
Best For: Bachelorette parties visiting Nashville, local shoppers who want to try before buying denim (Judy Blue sizing runs inconsistent across styles), anyone who values shopping environments designed specifically around larger bodies rather than as an afterthought section.
Pricing Reality: Budget roughly $150-200 for a complete outfit (jeans + top + accessories). Judy Blue jeans specifically justify the price point through longevity; multiple reviews cite replacing entire wardrobes after first purchase. No layaway. Shop Pay available for installment payments.
Red Flags: Relatively new (opened June 2024). Limited review volume makes quality assessment provisional. East Nashville location requires navigating parking around 11th St; free rear lot during store hours helps.
2. The Plus Closet
Contact Information
- Address: 2517 Lebanon Pike, Suite 200B, Nashville, TN 37214
- Phone: 615-852-8886
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: theplusclosetnashville.myshopify.com
Hours of Operation
- Wednesday-Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Monday-Tuesday: Closed
Ratings
- Yelp: 5.0 stars
- Nashville Scene: Best of Nashville 2024 Reader’s Choice
- Roadtrippers: Featured destination
Services & Pricing
Buy/sell/trade consignment model. Size 12/XL and up exclusively. Selling appointments required (book via website). Payout: 25% cash on accepted items or 40% store credit valid for one year. Mystery Boxes available for adventurous shoppers (set price for curated unknown items by size and theme). Highest listed price approximately $250.
Analysis
What Makes Them Different: Nashville’s only dedicated plus-size consignment operation. Co-owner Shannon Clemons brings content creator visibility and community trust. The buy/sell/trade mechanism creates a self-sustaining inventory ecosystem: shoppers can rotate wardrobes without accumulating closet excess or eating shipping costs on returns.
Best For: Budget-conscious shoppers willing to hunt. Anyone liquidating a plus-size wardrobe (divorce, weight change, style evolution). Sustainable fashion advocates who want to avoid fast fashion environmental impact. Shoppers who enjoy the discovery aspect of thrifting but want clothes that actually fit.
Pricing Reality: Expect 40-70% below retail for comparable items. Store credit strategy maximizes value (40% vs 25% cash) but requires return visits. GPS navigation commonly routes to wrong parking lot between building and adjacent Caliber Coffee; follow their posted directions.
Red Flags: Inventory unpredictability inherent to consignment model. Specific brands or sizes may not be available during any given visit. Selling appointments book out; check availability 2-3 weeks ahead during busy seasons.
3. This Is the Finale
Contact Information
- Address: 3820 Charlotte Ave, Suite 120, Nashville, TN 37209 (L&L Market)
- Phone: (629) 702-6188
- Website: thisisthefinale.com
Hours of Operation
- Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Monday: Closed
Ratings
- Yelp: 5.0 stars (11 photos)
- Nashville Scene: Writer’s Choice Award
Services & Pricing
Women’s clothing XL-4X (sizes 14-28). Also stocks baby & toddler clothing, accessories, gifts, mugs, swimwear. Select men’s options (patterned shirts). Pricing: tops $38-54, dresses $54, jeans $62, gift items $24-28.
Analysis
What Makes Them Different: Multi-category boutique approach means shopping for yourself and gifts simultaneously. Swimwear availability (rare for brick-and-mortar plus size) eliminates the anxiety of online swimsuit ordering without fit testing. Location inside L&L Market on Charlotte Ave allows combining shopping with food/drink options in the complex.
Best For: Gift shoppers who need something for a plus-size recipient without knowing exact size. Swimwear buyers. Event dressing (rhinestoned bodysuits, sheer tops, statement pieces for Nashville’s going-out culture). Cross-dressing community (Yelp specifically notes this niche).
Pricing Reality: Mid-tier boutique pricing sits between consignment finds and national chain markups. Expect $100-150 for occasion pieces. Baby/toddler items provide lower entry point for gift purchases.
Red Flags: Upper size range caps at 4X (smaller than some competitors). Locked door entry requires buzzer (security measure that some out-of-town visitors report as initially off-putting before experiencing the welcoming interior).
4. Torrid
Contact Information
- Address: 390 Opry Mills Dr, Suite 390, Nashville, TN 37214
- Phone: (615) 673-4964
- Website: torrid.com
Hours of Operation
- Monday-Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Ratings
- Google: 4.2 stars
- National chain presence (600+ locations)
Services & Pricing
Sizes 10-30. Categories: dresses, jeans, lingerie, footwear, accessories, swimwear, activewear. Torrid Cash rewards program. Credit card with additional perks available.
Analysis
What Makes Them Different: Comprehensive category coverage means one-stop shopping for wardrobe building. Lingerie department (branded as Torrid Curve) provides in-person bra fitting without specialty store pricing. Mall location inside Opry Mills allows easy returns and exchanges without shipping delays.
Best For: Shoppers who need consistent sizing across multiple categories. Lingerie/bra fitting appointments. Teen and young adult shoppers (style aesthetic skews younger than Lane Bryant). Travelers who want reliable access to familiar sizing without surprises.
Pricing Reality: Higher than budget chains, lower than boutiques. Clearance section offers substantial markdowns. Sign up for marketing emails before visiting for potential first-purchase discount. Expect $50-80 for dresses, $45-65 for jeans at full price.
Red Flags: Reviews note prices run higher than comparable quality warrants. Opry Mills location means navigating mall traffic and parking (especially during tourist season). Staff turnover affects service consistency.
5. Lane Bryant
Contact Information
- Address: 6726 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209 (Nashville West Shopping Center)
- Phone: (615) 209-7241
- Website: lanebryant.com
Hours of Operation
- Contact store for current hours (typically 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM weekdays)
Ratings
- Google: 3.8 stars
- National chain presence
Services & Pricing
Sizes 14-28. Services: Personal Shopping appointments, Ship to Store (free), Bra Fitting. Cacique intimates line. LIVI Active athleisure collection. Lane Rewards loyalty program. Credit card with additional benefits.
Analysis
What Makes Them Different: Cacique bra fitting service employs trained specialists who can identify fit issues that online shopping misses entirely. Ship to Store option allows ordering full inventory online and picking up locally without shipping fees. Personal shopping appointments available for coordinated wardrobe building.
Best For: Bra fitting (Cacique specialists). Professional/workwear shopping (broader selection than boutiques). Shoppers who want the option to try online inventory in-store before committing. Credit-building through store card with relatively accessible approval.
Pricing Reality: Frequent promotions (40% off, BOGO) make list prices somewhat meaningless; rarely buy at full price. Sign up for email list before visiting. Cacique bras run $40-60 during sales. Professional pieces $50-80 typical sale price.
Red Flags: Quality inconsistency across product lines; some fabrics pill quickly while others last years. Nashville West location has less foot traffic than mall stores, which can mean smaller staff and less assistance during off-peak hours. Opry Mills outlet location permanently closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which store offers the widest size range?
Torrid extends to size 30, making it the broadest for upper sizes among these five. However, Ari + Ava’s 5XL range and willingness to source specific items on request can accommodate needs that standardized sizing misses. For secondhand options, The Plus Closet accepts anything 12/XL and up with no upper ceiling.
What’s the actual price difference between boutique shopping at Ari + Ava versus consignment at The Plus Closet?
Expect 40-70% savings at The Plus Closet on comparable items when available. A Judy Blue jean retailing for $68 at Ari + Ava might appear at The Plus Closet for $25-40 depending on condition. The tradeoff: inventory unpredictability versus guaranteed availability.
Which store handles swimwear best for in-person try-on?
This Is the Finale stocks swimwear year-round in extended sizes with fitting room access. Torrid carries swimwear seasonally with broader selection but more competitive fitting room demand. Neither boutique nor consignment options match national chain swimwear variety.
Are there same-day or walk-in options for selling clothes?
The Plus Closet requires selling appointments booked in advance (typically 2-3 weeks during busy periods). No walk-in selling. Shopping requires no appointment at any location.
Which location works best for out-of-town visitors with limited time?
Torrid at Opry Mills offers the most efficient experience: largest inventory, longest hours, and mall food court access. For Nashville-specific boutique experience, Ari + Ava in East Nashville combines shopping with the Lockeland Springs neighborhood’s walkable restaurant scene.
Comparison Matrix
| Factor | Ari + Ava | The Plus Closet | This Is the Finale | Torrid | Lane Bryant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| <strong>Location</strong> | East Nashville (Lockeland Springs) | Donelson (Lebanon Pike) | West Nashville (L&L Market) | Opry Mills | Nashville West |
| <strong>Size Range</strong> | 0XL-5XL | 12/XL+ | XL-4X | 10-30 | 14-28 |
| <strong>Price Tier</strong> | $$-$$$ | $ | $$ | $$-$$$ | $$ |
| <strong>Google Rating</strong> | 5.0 (new) | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.2 | 3.8 |
| <strong>Sunday Hours</strong> | 12-6 PM | 12-5 PM | 12-5 PM | 11 AM-7 PM | Varies |
| <strong>Denim Focus</strong> | Judy Blue specialist | Secondhand variety | Limited | Full line | Full line |
| <strong>Bra Fitting</strong> | No | No | No | Yes | Yes (Cacique) |
| <strong>Buy/Sell/Trade</strong> | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| <strong>Swimwear</strong> | No | Varies | Yes | Seasonal | Seasonal |
| <strong>Local/Chain</strong> | Local | Local | Local | National | National |
| <strong>Best For</strong> | Denim, boutique experience | Budget, sustainability | Occasion wear, gifts | One-stop shopping | Professional wear, bras |
Ari + Ava earns the nod for shoppers prioritizing boutique experience and denim specifically, with owner-curated inventory and community-tested fit adjustments justifying premium positioning. The Plus Closet serves budget-conscious shoppers and anyone wanting to rotate wardrobes sustainably through its unique buy/sell/trade model. This Is the Finale fills the occasion-wear gap with statement pieces and rare brick-and-mortar swimwear access. Torrid handles comprehensive wardrobe building with predictable national chain sizing, while Lane Bryant’s Cacique bra fitting service and professional wear selection anchor the Charlotte Pike corridor. Geographic spread means East Nashville residents face a drive for anything beyond Ari + Ava, while Donelson-area shoppers can access both The Plus Closet and Opry Mills options within minutes.